CN113400888B

CN113400888B - Heat demand mediation device, heat demand mediation method, non-transitory storage medium, and vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN113400888B
Application number: CN202110280303.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 河边贵之; 和田龙一; 池上真
Original assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Current assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date: 2020-03-16
Filing date: 2021-03-16
Publication date: 2024-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-16
Also published as: US20230094799A1; KR20210116222A; JP2021146774A; US20210285699A1; US11555636B2; EP3882057A1; JP7367573B2; CN113400888A

Abstract

The heat demand mediation device of the present invention includes: a1 st thermal circuit; a2 nd thermal circuit; a3 rd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as paths capable of performing heat exchange with the 1 st heat circuit and the 2 nd heat circuit, respectively; a plurality of heat source units configured to absorb or dissipate heat through a heat medium circulating through at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit; a lead-out unit configured to lead out a plurality of demands relating to heat flow control of heat absorbed or dissipated by the heat source units; and a selection unit configured to select a route for at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit so as to satisfy one or more of the needs related to the heat flow control based on the plurality of needs related to the heat flow control derived by the derivation unit.

Description

Heat demand mediation device, heat demand mediation method, non-transitory storage medium, and vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a heat demand mediation device, a heat demand mediation method, a non-transitory storage medium, and a vehicle.

Background

Japanese patent laying-open No. 2015-186989 describes a vehicle air conditioner provided with a refrigeration circuit, a low water temperature circuit, and a high water temperature circuit, wherein the refrigeration circuit and the high water temperature circuit can exchange heat via a water-cooled condenser, and wherein the refrigeration circuit and the low water temperature circuit can exchange heat via a refrigerant-water heat exchanger. In the vehicular air conditioning apparatus described in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2015-186989, a Supercooling (SC) condenser capable of performing heat exchange between the refrigeration circuit and the low water temperature circuit is provided, and cooling of the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit is promoted in the SC condenser, thereby achieving an improvement in the efficiency of the refrigeration circuit.

In the air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle described in japanese patent laying-open No. 2015-186989, the heat circuit is controlled in order of priority with respect to the cooling demand, the heating demand, and the battery charging (warming) demand requested from the heat source unit. Therefore, for example, when a plurality of demands such as a cooling demand and a battery charging demand are generated, there is a concern that heat flow control for battery charging cannot be effectively performed as a result of prioritizing the cooling demand. Thus, there is room for improvement in heat flow control for satisfying all the demands in the case where a plurality of demands are generated.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a heat demand mediation device and the like capable of performing appropriate heat flow control that easily satisfies a plurality of demands.

A1 st aspect of the present invention is a heat demand mediation device mounted on a vehicle. The heat demand mediation device includes: a1 st heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate high-temperature cooling water; a2 nd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate low-temperature cooling water; a 3 rd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths for circulating a refrigerant while changing a state, and capable of exchanging heat with the 1 st heat circuit and the 2 nd heat circuit, respectively; a plurality of heat source units configured to absorb or dissipate heat through a heat medium circulating through at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit; a lead-out part; a selecting section. The lead-out unit is configured to lead out a plurality of demands related to heat flow control of heat absorbed or dissipated by the heat source units. The selection unit is configured to select a route for at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit so as to satisfy one or more of the needs related to the heat flow control based on the plurality of needs related to the heat flow control derived by the derivation unit.

The structure may be as follows: in the 1 st aspect, the 1 st heat circuit and the 3 rd heat circuit are coupled via a1 st heat exchanger, the 2 nd heat circuit and the 3 rd heat circuit are coupled via a2 nd heat exchanger, and the selecting unit is configured to select a method of controlling heat transfer of at least one of the 1 st heat exchanger and the 2 nd heat exchanger so as to satisfy one or more of the demands related to the heat flow control based on a plurality of demands related to the heat flow control derived by the deriving unit.

The structure may be as follows: in the above aspect 1, the deriving unit is configured to derive a plurality of demands concerning states of a plurality of different heat source units mounted on the vehicle as demands concerning the heat flow control.

The structure may be as follows: in addition to the above aspect 1, the demand related to the heat flow control includes at least a 1 st demand for a water passing state of a radiator that is one of the heat source units, a 2 nd demand for a temperature state of a battery that is one of the heat source units, and a 3 rd demand for an air conditioning state in a cabin that accompanies at least an operation of an evaporator that is one of the heat source units.

The structure may be as follows: in the 1 st aspect, priorities are given to the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, respectively, and the selecting unit is configured to select, based on the priorities, at least one of the demands having a high priority.

The structure may be as follows: in the 1 st aspect, the priority is given to: the 2 nd demand is higher than the 3 rd demand, and the 1 st demand is higher than the 2 nd demand.

The structure may be as follows: in the above aspect 1, the selecting unit is configured to select based on the electric power consumed by the heat source unit.

A 2 nd aspect of the present invention is a heat demand mediation method executed by a computer of a heat demand mediation device mounted on a vehicle, the heat demand mediation device including: a1 st heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate high-temperature cooling water; a 2 nd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate low-temperature cooling water; a 3 rd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths for circulating a refrigerant while changing a state, and capable of exchanging heat with the 1 st heat circuit and the 2 nd heat circuit, respectively; and a plurality of heat source units configured to absorb or dissipate heat through a heat medium circulating through at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit. The heat demand mediation method includes: a plurality of heat flow control requirements related to heat absorption or heat dissipation of the heat source units; and selecting a path for at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit so as to satisfy one or more of the demands related to the heat flow control based on the derived plurality of demands related to the heat flow control.

A 3 rd aspect of the present invention is a non-transitory storage medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of a heat demand mediation device mounted on a vehicle, the heat demand mediation device including: a1 st heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate high-temperature cooling water; a2 nd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate low-temperature cooling water; a 3 rd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths for circulating a refrigerant while changing a state, and capable of exchanging heat with the 1 st heat circuit and the 2 nd heat circuit, respectively; and a plurality of heat source units configured to absorb or dissipate heat through a heat medium circulating through at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit. The functions include: a plurality of heat flow control requirements related to heat absorption or heat dissipation of the heat source units; and selecting a path for at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit so as to satisfy one or more of the demands related to the heat flow control based on the derived plurality of demands related to the heat flow control.

Mode 4 of the present invention is a vehicle including a heat demand mediation device. The heat demand mediation device includes: a1 st heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate high-temperature cooling water; a2 nd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate low-temperature cooling water; a 3 rd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths for circulating a refrigerant while changing a state, and capable of exchanging heat with the 1 st heat circuit and the 2 nd heat circuit, respectively; a plurality of heat source units configured to absorb or dissipate heat through a heat medium circulating through at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit; a lead-out part; a selecting section. The lead-out unit is configured to lead out a plurality of demands related to heat flow control of heat absorbed or dissipated by the heat source units. The selection unit is configured to select a route for at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit so as to satisfy one or more of the heat flow control-related demands based on the plurality of heat flow control-related demands derived by the derivation unit.

According to the 1 st aspect, the 2 nd aspect, the 3 rd aspect, and the 4 th aspect of the present disclosure, since the optimal path based on the demand related to the plurality of heat flow controls is selected from the paths of the heat circuit having the plurality of modes, it is possible to perform appropriate heat flow control that easily satisfies the demand related to the plurality of heat flow controls.

Drawings

Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like parts, wherein,

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a heat demand mediation device and a heat circuit according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the thermal circuit shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a plurality of path modes set for the high-temperature cooling circuit.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a plurality of path modes set for the refrigerant circuit.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of a plurality of path modes set for the low-temperature cooling circuit.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a correspondence map concerning a path pattern of the low-temperature cooling circuit.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a correspondence chart concerning a path pattern of the refrigerant circuit.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a correspondence chart concerning a path pattern of the high-temperature cooling circuit.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a process of the route pattern selection control of the low-temperature cooling circuit executed by the selection unit.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a process of the route pattern selection control of the low-temperature cooling circuit executed by the selection unit.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a process of the path mode selection control of the refrigerant circuit executed by the selecting unit.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a process of the route pattern selection control of the high-temperature cooling circuit executed by the selection unit.

Fig. 13 shows a specific example (example 1) of selecting a path pattern of each thermal circuit.

Fig. 14 shows a specific example (example 2) of selecting a path pattern of each thermal circuit.

Fig. 15 shows a specific example (example 3) of selecting a path pattern of each thermal circuit.

Detailed Description

The heat demand mediation device of the present disclosure selects a circulation path of the heat medium of each heat circuit from a plurality of path patterns predetermined based on a plurality of demands related to heat flow control. By this selection control, appropriate heat flow control that easily satisfies the demands concerning a plurality of heat flow controls can be performed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where a heat demand regulating device is mounted on a vehicle.

Embodiment

[ Integral Structure ]

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a heat demand mediation device and a heat circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The heat demand mediation device 10 is a device that is mounted on a vehicle equipped with 3 heat circuits, i.e., a high-temperature cooling circuit HT, a low-temperature cooling circuit LT, and a refrigerant circuit RE, and that mediates heat-related demands from units included in each heat circuit and units other than the heat circuits. The heat demand mediation device 10 CAN communicate with a control device of a unit included in each heat circuit or a unit other than the heat circuit via an on-vehicle network such as CAN (Controller Area Network-controller area network). The high-temperature cooling circuit HT, the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, and the refrigerant circuit RE each have a flow path through which a heat medium circulates. The units contained in each thermal circuit are capable of exchanging heat with the thermal medium. The refrigerant circuit RE is coupled to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT and the low-temperature cooling circuit LT so as to be capable of heat exchange with the high-temperature cooling circuit HT and the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, respectively.

The heat demand mediation device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a derivation unit 12, a selection unit 13, and an instruction unit 14. The acquisition unit 11 acquires information on heat from a plurality of units included in each heat circuit and a control device of a unit other than the heat circuit by communication. The deriving unit 12 derives a demand (hereinafter referred to as "heat flow control demand") concerning heat flow control of heat absorbed or released by each of the heat source units (described later) based on the information concerning heat acquired by the acquiring unit 11. The deriving unit 12 of the present embodiment derives a plurality of demands concerning the states of a plurality of different heat source units mounted on the vehicle as heat flow control demands. The selection unit 13 determines at least one circuit, preferably all the circuits, of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, the refrigerant circuit RE, and the high-temperature cooling circuit HT so as to satisfy one or more heat flow control demands, preferably all the demands, based on the plurality of heat flow control demands derived by the derivation unit 12. The determination of the operation content is performed by selecting one path pattern from a plurality of path patterns (described later) preset for each thermal circuit. The instruction unit 14 instructs each thermal circuit to operate based on the route pattern selected by the selection unit 13.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, and the refrigerant circuit RE shown in fig. 1. In fig. 2, the flow paths through which the heat medium circulates in each heat circuit are indicated by thick lines.

The high-temperature cooling circuit HT is a circuit for circulating cooling water as a heat medium, and is a 1 st heat circuit including a heater core 21, an electric heater 22, a radiator 23, and a water pump 24. The high-temperature cooling circuit HT has a function of storing heat in cooling water for heating in the vehicle cabin, and a function of radiating heat received by heat exchange with the refrigerant circuit RE to the outside of the vehicle. The heater core 21 is a unit having a tube and fins through which cooling water flows and performing heat exchange between air passing through the fins and the cooling water. The electric heater 22 is a unit that heats the cooling water when the temperature of the cooling water is insufficient. The radiator 23 is a unit for cooling water, and has: a radiator core having a tube through which cooling water flows and fins, and performing heat exchange between air passing through the fins and the cooling water; a grille shutter provided in front of the radiator core, the grille shutter increasing or decreasing the amount of ventilation to the radiator core; and a radiator fan disposed behind the radiator core for forcibly ventilating the radiator core. The water pump 24 is a unit for circulating cooling water.

In the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, the heater core 21 and the radiator 23 are heat source units capable of absorbing heat from cooling water. The electric heater 22 is a heat source unit capable of discharging heat to the cooling water. The water pump 24 is not a heat source and does not absorb and discharge heat, but is a unit capable of changing the heat dissipation amount of the radiator 23 and the heat transfer amount from the refrigerant circuit RE through the water-cooled condenser 33 described later, according to the flow rate of the cooling water.

The low-temperature cooling circuit LT is a circuit for circulating cooling water as a heat medium, and is a2 nd heat circuit including a battery 41, a power control unit (hereinafter referred to as "PCU") 42, a transaxle (hereinafter referred to as "TA") 43, a radiator 44, an electric heater 45, and water pumps 46 and 47. The battery 41 is a unit that accumulates electric power to be supplied to the travel motor. The PCU42 is a unit that includes an inverter that drives a travel motor, a DCDC converter that performs voltage conversion, and the like, and controls electric power supplied to the travel motor. TA43 is a unit that integrates a travel motor, a generator, a power split device, and a transmission. The radiator 44 is a unit for cooling or warming cooling water by air, and the radiator 44 has: a radiator core having a tube through which cooling water flows and fins, and performing heat exchange between air passing through the fins and the cooling water; a grille shutter provided in front of the radiator core, the grille shutter increasing or decreasing the amount of ventilation to the radiator core; and a radiator fan disposed behind the radiator core for forcibly ventilating the radiator core. The electric heater 45 is a unit that heats the cooling water when the temperature of the cooling water is insufficient. The water pumps 46 and 47 are units for circulating cooling water.

In the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, the radiator 44 is a heat source unit capable of absorbing heat from the cooling water (during normal operation) and discharging heat to the cooling water (during external air heat pump operation). The battery 41, PCU42, and TA43 are heat source units capable of discharging heat to the cooling water via a water jacket that forms part of the flow path of the cooling water. The electric heater 45 is a heat source unit capable of discharging heat to the cooling water. The water pumps 46 and 47 are not heat sources, and do not absorb and discharge heat, but are means capable of controlling the amount of heat discharged from the battery 41, the PCU42, and the TA43 to the cooling water, the amount of heat released and absorbed by the radiator 44, and the amount of heat transferred to the refrigerant circuit RE through the cooler 34 described later, according to the flow rate of the cooling water. The low-temperature cooling circuit LT is provided in principle to cool the battery 41, the PCU42, and the TA43 and ensure reliability, and therefore the temperature of the cooling water circulating in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT is usually maintained lower than the temperature of the cooling water circulating in the high-temperature cooling circuit HT.

The refrigerant circuit RE is a circuit for circulating a refrigerant as a heat medium while changing its state, and is a 3 rd heat circuit including a compressor 31, an evaporator 32, a water-cooled condenser 33, and a cooler 34. In the refrigerant circuit RE, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 is condensed in the water-cooled condenser 33, and the condensed refrigerant is injected into the evaporator 32 from the expansion valve provided in the evaporator 32 to expand, whereby heat can be absorbed from the air around the evaporator 32. In the refrigerant circuit RE, the compressor 31 and the evaporator 32 are heat source units capable of discharging heat from the refrigerant. The water-cooled condenser 33 is a heat source unit (1 st heat exchanger) capable of absorbing heat from the refrigerant and discharging heat to the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT. The cooler 34 is a heat source unit (the 2 nd heat exchanger) capable of absorbing heat from the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT and discharging the heat to the refrigerant.

The refrigerant circuit RE is coupled to the low-temperature cooling circuit LT via the cooler 34 so as to be capable of exchanging heat with the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, and heat generated in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT can be moved to the refrigerant circuit RE via the cooler 34. The refrigerant circuit RE is coupled to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT via the water-cooled condenser 33 so as to be capable of exchanging heat with the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, and heat generated in the refrigerant circuit RE and/or heat transferred from the low-temperature cooling circuit LT to the refrigerant circuit RE can be transferred to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT via the water-cooled condenser 33.

In fig. 2, the heat circuit mounted in the Electric Vehicle (EV) is described as an example, but the heat demand mediation device 10 according to the present embodiment can also be used in a Hybrid Vehicle (HV). In the case of a hybrid vehicle, the high-temperature cooling circuit HT can be used for cooling the engine.

[ Path mode of thermal Loop ]

Next, a plurality of path modes set in advance for the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, and the refrigerant circuit RE will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a plurality of path modes set for the high-temperature cooling circuit HT. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a plurality of path modes set for the refrigerant circuit RE. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a plurality of path modes set for the low-temperature cooling circuit LT. These path modes are divided into a plurality of paths by a combination of a flow path of the heat medium and a mode of controlling heat movement in each unit included in the heat circuit.

Path mode for high temperature cooling circuit HT

In the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, 6 route patterns shown in fig. 3 are optionally set as routes through which high-temperature cooling water can be circulated. In fig. 3, the water pump 24 for circulating the cooling water is not described.

The path pattern a-1 forms a flow path of cooling water in which the Heater Core (HC) 21, the Electric Heater (EH) 22, and the water-cooled condenser 33 are connected. In this path pattern a-1, the following thermal movement control is performed, namely: the electric heater 22 is actively operated, and the electric heater 22 discharges heat to the cooling water (hatched arrow), and the heater core 21 absorbs heat from the cooling water (open arrow) in response thereto. The water-cooled condenser 33 does not operate.

The flow path of the cooling water in the path pattern A-2 is the same as that in the path pattern A-1. In this path pattern a-2, the following thermal movement control is performed, namely: the water-cooled condenser 33 is actively operated to release heat from the refrigerant circuit RE to the cooling water via the water-cooled condenser 33 (hatched arrow), and the Heater Core (HC) 21 absorbs heat from the cooling water (open arrow). Further, the Electric Heater (EH) 22 does not operate, and therefore may not be connected to the flow path in the path pattern A-2.

The flow path of the cooling water in the path pattern A-3 is the same as those in the path patterns A-1 and A-2. In this path pattern a-3, the following thermal movement control is performed, namely: the Electric Heater (EH) 22 is actively operated, whereby the electric heater 22 discharges heat to the cooling water (hatched arrow), and the water-cooled condenser 33 is actively operated, whereby the heat from the refrigerant circuit RE is discharged to the cooling water via the water-cooled condenser 33 (hatched arrow), and the Heater Core (HC) 21 absorbs heat from the cooling water (open arrow).

The path pattern B-1 forms a flow path of cooling water in which the Heater Core (HC) 21, the Electric Heater (EH) 22, the radiator 23, and the water-cooled condenser 33 are connected. In this path pattern B-1, the following control is performed: the water-cooled condenser 33 is actively operated to release heat from the refrigerant circuit RE to the cooling water via the water-cooled condenser 33 (hatched arrow), and the heater core 21 absorbs heat from the cooling water (open arrow). And performs heat movement control of actively discharging excessive heat supplied to the heater core 21 to the outside air via the radiator 23 (hatched arrow). Further, the electric heater 22 does not operate, and therefore may not be connected to the flow path in the path pattern B-1.

The route pattern C-1 forms a flow path of cooling water in which the Electric Heater (EH) 22, the radiator 23, and the water-cooled condenser 33 are connected. In this path pattern C-1, the following thermal movement control is performed, namely: the water-cooled condenser 33 is actively operated to remove heat from the refrigerant circuit RE to the cooling water via the water-cooled condenser 33 (hatched arrow), and to remove heat stored in the cooling water to the outside air via the radiator 23 (open arrow). Further, the electric heater 22 does not operate, and therefore may not be connected to the flow path in the path pattern C-1.

In the route pattern D-1, the Heater Core (HC) 21, the Electric Heater (EH) 22, the radiator 23, and the water-cooled condenser 33 are connected without passing through a flow path of cooling water. In the route pattern D-1, the heat transfer control is performed so as not to operate the heater core 21, the electric heater 22, the radiator 23, and the water-cooled condenser 33.

(2) Path mode of refrigerant circuit RE

In the refrigerant circuit RE, 6 path modes shown in fig. 4 are selectively set as paths through which the refrigerant circulates while changing its state, and the paths can exchange heat with the high-temperature cooling circuit HT and the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, respectively. In fig. 4, the description of the compressor 31 for circulating the refrigerant is omitted.

The path pattern a-1 forms a flow path of the refrigerant obtained by connecting the Evaporator (EVA) 32 and the water-cooled condenser 33. In the path pattern a-1, thermal movement control is performed in which the evaporator 32 is actively operated (hatched arrow). The heat of the refrigerant is discharged to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT through the water-cooled condenser 33 (open arrow). The cooler 34 does not operate.

The path pattern B-1 forms a flow path of the refrigerant in which the Evaporator (EVA) 32 and the water-cooled condenser 33 are connected, and a flow path of the refrigerant in which the water-cooled condenser 33 and the cooler 34 are connected, respectively. In the path mode B-1, the evaporator 32 is actively operated (hatched arrow) and the heat transfer control is performed in which heat is actively released (hatched arrow) from the water-cooled condenser 33 to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT. Heat from the low-temperature cooling circuit LT is discharged to the refrigerant via the cooler 34 (open arrow).

The flow path of the refrigerant in the path mode B-2 is the same as that in the path mode B-1. In the path mode B-2, the evaporator 32 is actively operated (hatched arrow) and the heat transfer control is performed in which heat is actively absorbed from the low-temperature cooling circuit LT via the cooler 34 (hatched arrow). The heat of the refrigerant is discharged to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT through the water-cooled condenser 33 (open arrow).

The path mode C-1 connects the Evaporator (EVA) 32, the water-cooled condenser 33, and the cooler 34 without passing through the flow path of the refrigerant. In the route pattern C-1, the heat transfer control is performed so as not to operate the evaporator 32, the water-cooled condenser 33, and the cooler 34.

The path pattern D-1 forms a flow path of the refrigerant obtained by connecting the water-cooled condenser 33 and the cooler 34. In the path mode D-1, heat transfer control is performed in which heat is actively released (hatched arrow) from the water-cooled condenser 33 to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT. Heat from the low-temperature cooling circuit LT is discharged to the refrigerant via the cooler 34 (open arrow). The Evaporator (EVA) 32 does not operate.

The flow path of the refrigerant in the path mode D-2 is the same as that in the path mode D-1. In the path mode D-2, the heat transfer control is performed in which heat is actively absorbed from the low-temperature cooling circuit LT (hatched arrow) via the cooler 34. The heat of the refrigerant is discharged to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT through the water-cooled condenser 33 (open arrow). The Evaporator (EVA) 32 does not operate.

(3) Path mode of cryogenically cooled loop LT

In the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, 5 route patterns shown in fig. 5 are optionally set as routes through which low-temperature cooling water can be circulated. In fig. 5, the water pumps 46 and 47 for circulating the cooling water are omitted.

The path pattern a-1 forms a flow path of cooling water in which the battery (Batt) 41, the Electric Heater (EH) 45, and the cooler 34 are connected, and a flow path of cooling water in which the PCU42, the TA43, and the radiator 44 are connected, respectively. In this path mode a-1, heat movement control is performed in which the cooler 34 is actively operated to release heat (open arrow) of the battery 41 to the refrigerant circuit RE via the cooler 34 (hatched arrow). In addition, heat movement control is performed in which the radiator 44 is actively operated to release heat of the PCU42 and the TA43 to the outside air through the radiator 44 (hatched arrow).

The flow path of the cooling water in the path pattern A-2 is the same as that in the path pattern A-1. In this path pattern a-2, the following thermal movement control is performed, namely: the Electric Heater (EH) 45 is actively operated, the electric heater 45 discharges heat to the cooling water (hatched arrow), and the battery (Batt) 41 absorbs heat from the cooling water (open arrow). Here, in order to efficiently perform the heat transfer from the electric heater 45 to the battery 41, it is preferable to dispose the electric heater 45 at a position immediately before the battery 41 in the flow path. In addition, heat movement control is performed in which the radiator 44 is actively operated to release heat of the PCU42 and the TA43 to the outside air through the radiator 44 (hatched arrow). The cooler 34 does not operate.

The flow path of the cooling water in the path pattern A-3 is the same as those in the path patterns A-1 and A-2. In this path mode a-3, the battery (Batt) 41 is temperature-controlled only in accordance with the circulation of the cooling water. In addition, heat movement control is performed in which the radiator 44 is actively operated to release heat of the PCU42 and the TA43 to the outside air through the radiator 44 (hatched arrow). Further, the Electric Heater (EH) 45 and the cooler 34 do not operate.

The route pattern B-1 does not connect the battery (Batt) 41, the Electric Heater (EH) 45, and the cooler 34 through the cooling water flow path, but forms only the cooling water flow path formed by connecting the PCUs 42, TA43, and the radiator 44. In the route pattern B-1, the thermal movement control is performed so as not to operate the electric heater 45 and the cooler 34. That is, the circulation of the cooling water to the battery 41 is not performed, and therefore, the cooling of the battery 41 is prohibited. In addition, heat movement control is performed in which the radiator 44 is actively operated to release heat of the PCU42 and the TA43 to the outside air through the radiator 44 (hatched arrow).

The route pattern C-1 forms a flow path of cooling water in which the radiator 44 is connected to the radiator 34 and a flow path of cooling water in which the PCU42 is connected to the TA43, respectively. In this path pattern C-1, the following thermal movement control is performed, namely: the radiator 44 is actively operated to release heat of the outside air to the cooling water (hatched arrow), and the cooler 34 is actively operated to release heat stored in the cooling water to the refrigerant circuit RE via the cooler 34 (hatched arrow). In addition, PCU42 and TA43 are not connected to radiator 44, but are temperature-controlled only by circulation of cooling water (open arrow).

[ Heat flow control demand ]

Next, a heat flow control demand, which is a demand related to heat flow control of heat absorbed or dissipated by the heat source units of the vehicle, will be described. Examples of the heat source unit of the vehicle include a radiator 44 capable of absorbing heat and discharging heat, a water-cooled condenser 33 and a cooler 34, an electric heater 22 capable of discharging heat, an electric heater 45, a battery 41, PCU42 and TA43, a heater core 21 capable of absorbing heat, a radiator 23, and an evaporator 32.

In the present embodiment, as the heat flow control demand for these heat source units, there are derived a demand for the water passage state of the radiator 44 (hereinafter referred to as "1 st demand"), a demand for the temperature state of the battery 41 (hereinafter referred to as "2 nd demand"), and a demand for the air conditioning state in the vehicle cabin (hereinafter referred to as "3 rd demand"). The heat flow control demand is not limited to this example, and demands other than the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand may be derived as long as the heat flow control is related to heat absorption or heat dissipation of the heat source unit.

(1) Demand 1

The following items can be exemplified as the 1 st requirement for the water passage state of the radiator 44.

There is a water demand: a flow path of cooling water for PCU42 and TA43 is required to be connected to radiator 44.

No water demand: the flow paths of the cooling water of the PCU42 and the TA43 may not be required to be connected to the radiator 44.

In the present embodiment, the water passage state of the radiator 44 of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT is given as an example, but the water passage state of the radiator 23 of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT may be given as an object.

(2) Demand 2

As the 2 nd demand for the temperature state of the battery 41, the following items can be exemplified.

Permit warming: permitting the need for warming of the battery 41.

Inhibit cooling: the need for an action to cool the battery 41 is prohibited.

Average temperature (exhaust heat utilization NG): the temperature among the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery 41 is made uniform, and the heat discharged during the uniform process is not utilized in other thermal circuits.

Average temperature (exhaust heat utilization OK): the temperature among the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery 41 is made uniform, and the heat discharged during the uniform process can be utilized in other heat circuits.

Unlimited: indicating the need for such a case as to cool and warm the battery 41 without any limitation.

Permit cooling (lifetime): permitting the need for cooling of the battery 41 that can extend the life of the battery 41.

Permit cooling (emergency): indicating the need for an action to cool the battery 41 rapidly.

(3) Demand 3

As the 3 rd requirement for the air-conditioning state in the cabin at least accompanied by the operation of the evaporator 32, the following items can be exemplified.

Heating (admitting outside air HP): a Heat Pump (HP) that performs a heating operation and absorbs heat from outside air is required.

Heating (external air HP is not permitted): the heating action is performed and the requirements of the HP action are not permitted. Since only HP is not permitted, heating using an electric heater and heating using exhaust heat of a battery are permitted.

Dehumidification and heating (admission of external air HP): performs a dehumidification heating action and permits the demand for heating based on the HP action.

Dehumidification and heating (external air HP is not permitted): the dehumidification heating action is performed and the demand for heating based on the HP action is not permitted. Since only HP is not permitted, dehumidification and heating using an electric heater and dehumidification and heating using exhaust heat of a battery are permitted.

Refrigeration: a need for performing a refrigeration operation.

Air conditioner OFF: and all air conditioners (heating, refrigerating and dehumidifying and heating) are not required to operate. Is required without an indication of air conditioning from the user.

[ Correspondence graph ]

Next, a correspondence chart showing a correspondence relationship between the heat flux control demand and the path pattern will be described with reference to fig. 6 to 8. The correspondence map is a diagram showing a path pattern that can be selected according to each heat flow control requirement.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a correspondence chart concerning the path mode of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT. In fig. 6, for each of the items of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand as the heat flow control demand, a path pattern that can be selected among 5 path patterns related to the low-temperature cooling circuit LT shown in fig. 5 is shown with a black circle. For example, it is shown that any one of the path modes A-1, A-2, A-3, and B-1 can be selected in the case where "there is a water demand" as the 1 st demand. In addition, it is shown that only the path mode a-2 can be selected in the case where "permissible temperature increase" is required as the 2 nd demand. In addition, it is shown that in the case where "heating (permitting the outside air HP)" is required as the 3 rd demand, all the path modes can be selected.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a correspondence chart concerning the path pattern of the refrigerant circuit RE. In fig. 7, for each of the items of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand as the heat flow control demand, a path pattern that can be selected among 6 path patterns related to the refrigerant circuit RE shown in fig. 4 is shown with a black circle. For example, it is shown that in the case where "there is a water demand" as the 1 st demand, all the path modes can be selected. In addition, it is shown that either one of the path modes a-1 and C-1 can be selected in the case where "permissible temperature increase" is required as the 2 nd demand. In addition, it is shown that any one of the path modes C-1, D-1, and D-2 can be selected in the case where "heating (permitting the outside air HP)" is required as the 3 rd demand.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a correspondence chart concerning the path pattern of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT. In fig. 8, for each of the items of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand as the heat flow control demand, a path pattern that can be selected among 6 path patterns related to the high temperature cooling circuit HT shown in fig. 3 is shown with a black circle. For example, it is shown that in the case where "there is a water demand" as the 1 st demand, all the path modes can be selected. In addition, it is shown that all the path modes can be selected in the case where "permissible temperature increase" is required as the 2 nd demand. In addition, it is shown that any one of the path modes a-1, a-2, a-3, and B-1 can be selected in the case where "heating (permitting the outside air HP)" is required as the 3 rd demand.

[ Control of selection of Path mode ]

Next, control for selecting a path pattern of each heat circuit executed by the heat demand mediation device 10 will be described with reference to fig. 9 to 12.

(1) Path mode selection control for a cryogenically cooled loop LT

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a process of selecting a route pattern of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT by the selecting unit 13 of the heat demand mediation apparatus 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the mediation process performed in step S904, step S908, and step S910 in fig. 9. The selection control shown in fig. 9 and 10 is started in association with the start of the vehicle, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals until the operation of the vehicle is stopped.

Step S901: the selecting unit 13 extracts a path pattern of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT that can be selected for each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand derived by the deriving unit 12. More specifically, the selecting unit 13 extracts all of the path modes of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT that can be selected by the 1 st demand item, extracts all of the path modes of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT that can be selected by the 2 nd demand item, and extracts all of the path modes of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT that can be selected by the 3 rd demand item based on the correspondence chart of fig. 6. If the route pattern of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT corresponding to each demand is extracted, the process proceeds to step S902.

Step S902: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not a route pattern (hereinafter referred to as "route pattern x") extracted in all the demands exists among all the route patterns extracted in the above step S901. That is, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a path pattern x extracted from all of the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. If there is a path pattern x extracted in all the demands (yes in S902), the process proceeds to step S903, and if there is no path pattern x extracted in all the demands (no in S902), the process proceeds to step S906.

Step S903: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern x extracted in all the demands determined in step S902 is 1. If the path pattern x is 1 (yes in S903), the process proceeds to step S905, and if the path pattern x is not 1 (no in S903), the process proceeds to step S904.

Step S904: the selecting unit 13 executes the mediation process of selecting 1 kind of route pattern x for a plurality of kinds of route patterns x (fig. 10). The mediation process is described below. If 1 path pattern x is selected by the mediation process, the process advances to step S905.

Step S905: the selecting unit 13 selects the route pattern x selected by the mediation process of step S904 or the route pattern x selected as1 by extracting only 1 route pattern x as a route pattern that is easy to satisfy the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand. When the route mode is selected, control for selecting the route mode for the present low-temperature cooling circuit LT is ended.

Step S906: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not a route pattern extracted from among the plurality of demands (hereinafter referred to as "route pattern y") exists among all the route patterns extracted in the above step S901. That is, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a path pattern y extracted from any two of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand. When there is a path pattern y extracted in the plurality of demands (S906, yes), the process proceeds to step S907, and when there is no path pattern y extracted in the plurality of demands (S906, no), the process proceeds to step S910.

Step S907: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern y extracted from the plurality of demands determined in step S906 is 1. If the path pattern y is 1 (yes in S907), the process proceeds to step S909, and if the path pattern y is not 1 (no in S907), the process proceeds to step S908.

Step S908: the selection unit 13 executes the mediation process of selecting 1 kind of route pattern y for a plurality of kinds of route patterns y (fig. 10). The mediation process is described below. If 1 path pattern y is selected by the mediation process, the process advances to step S909.

Step S909: the selecting unit 13 selects the route pattern y selected to be 1 by the mediation process of step S908 or the route pattern y selected to be 1 by the extraction of only 1, as the route pattern that can easily satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. When the route mode is selected, control for selecting the route mode for the present low-temperature cooling circuit LT ends.

Step S910: the selecting unit 13 performs the mediation process of selecting 1 route pattern for all the route patterns extracted in the above step S901 (fig. 10). The mediation process is described below. If 1 path mode is selected by the mediation process, the process advances to step S911.

Step S911: the selecting unit 13 selects the route pattern selected as 1 by the mediation process of step S910 as a route pattern that is easy to satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. When the route mode is selected, control for selecting the route mode for the present low-temperature cooling circuit LT ends.

Referring to fig. 10, the mediation process performed in step S904, step S908, and step S910 in fig. 9 will be described. In each step, only the path patterns to be mediated are different, and the contents of the processing performed for the path patterns to be mediated are the same. Specifically, the path pattern x is subject to mediation in step S904, the path pattern y is subject to mediation in step S908, and all path patterns are subject to mediation in step S910.

Step S1001: the selecting unit 13 selects a route pattern from among route patterns of the object based on the priority of the demand. Specifically, the route pattern extracted in the request with high priority is preferentially selected. That is, the path mode is selected so as to satisfy at least the demand for high priority. The priorities of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand are determined and assigned in advance, and as an example, the priorities of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand may be assigned to be higher than the 3 rd demand and the 1 st demand to be higher than the 2 nd demand, the priorities of the 1 st demand may be set to be "high", the priorities of the 2 nd demand may be set to be "medium", and the priorities of the 3 rd demand may be set to be "low". Alternatively, the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand may be given priorities of "medium" and "high" for the 1 st demand, and "low" for the 3 rd demand, where the 1 st demand is higher than the 3 rd demand and the 2 nd demand is higher than the 1 st demand. If the path mode is selected based on the priority of the demand, the process proceeds to step S1002.

Step S1002: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the path pattern selected in step S1001 is 1. If the selected path pattern is 1 (yes in S1002), the present mediation process ends (the process returns to each step in fig. 9), and if the selected path pattern is 1 or more (no in S1002), the process proceeds to step S1003.

Step S1003: the selecting unit 13 reselects the route pattern based on the power consumption during the heating control from among the route patterns selected in step S1001. Specifically, a route pattern is selected in which the power consumption during heating control is minimized (so-called high power efficiency). As an example, the electric power efficiency of the heat pump heating by the heat of the outside air is higher than that of the electric heater 22, and the electric power efficiency of the heat pump heating by the heat discharged from the battery 41 is higher than that of the heat pump heating by the heat discharged from the battery 41. If the route pattern is selected based on the power consumption (power efficiency) during the heating control, the process proceeds to step S1004.

Step S1004: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern re-selected in step S1003 is 1. If the selected path pattern is 1 (yes in S1004), the present mediation process ends (the process returns to each step in fig. 9), and if the selected path pattern is 1 or more (no in S1004), the process proceeds to step S1005.

Step S1005: the selecting unit 13 determines 1 path pattern based on a predetermined condition from among the path patterns re-selected in the above step S1003. As the predetermined condition, a condition for maximizing the power efficiency, such as stopping the operation of the water pump 46 without cooling the battery 41, can be exemplified. When 1 path pattern is determined based on the predetermined condition, the present mediation process ends (the process returns to each step of fig. 9).

(2) Path mode selection control for refrigerant circuit RE

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a process of selecting the control of the route pattern of the refrigerant circuit RE by the selecting unit 13 of the heat demand mediation device 10. The selection control shown in fig. 11 is typically performed after the path mode of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT is selected by the selection control shown in fig. 9 and 10.

Step S1101: the selecting unit 13 extracts the path patterns of the refrigerant circuit RE that can be selected for each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand derived by the deriving unit 12. More specifically, the selecting unit 13 extracts all the route patterns of the refrigerant circuit RE that can be selected by the 1 st demand item, extracts all the route patterns of the refrigerant circuit RE that can be selected by the 2 nd demand item, and extracts all the route patterns of the refrigerant circuit RE that can be selected by the 3 rd demand item based on the correspondence chart of fig. 7. If the path pattern of the refrigerant circuit RE corresponding to each demand is extracted, the process proceeds to step S1102.

Step S1102: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern x extracted in all the demands exists among all the route patterns extracted in the above step S1101. That is, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the path pattern x extracted in all of the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands exists. If there is a path pattern x extracted in all the demands (yes in S1102), the process proceeds to step S1103, and if there is no path pattern x extracted in all the demands (no in S1102), the process proceeds to step S1106.

Step S1103: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern x extracted in all the demands determined in step S1102 is 1. If the path pattern x is 1 (S1103, yes), the process proceeds to step S1105, and if the path pattern x is not 1 (S1103, no), the process proceeds to step S1104.

Step S1104: the selecting unit 13 selects 1 path pattern x from the path patterns x having a plurality of types based on the heat flow. The heat flow refers to transfer of heat generated between the low-temperature cooling circuit LT and the refrigerant circuit RE located upstream of the heat transfer path. The selecting unit 13 selects a path pattern x associated with the heat flow between the path pattern selected in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT and the path pattern selected in the refrigerant circuit RE. As a case where there is a correlation of heat flow, a case where the low-temperature cooling circuit LT discharges heat and the refrigerant circuit RE absorbs heat, and a case where the low-temperature cooling circuit LT does not discharge heat and the refrigerant circuit RE does not absorb heat can be exemplified. On the other hand, as the case where there is no relation of heat flow, a case where the low-temperature cooling circuit LT discharges heat but the refrigerant circuit RE does not absorb heat, and a case where the low-temperature cooling circuit LT does not discharge heat but the refrigerant circuit RE absorbs heat can be exemplified. If 1 path pattern x is selected based on the heat flow, the process advances to step S1105.

Step S1105: the selecting unit 13 selects only 1 route pattern x or 1 route pattern x selected in step S1104 as a route pattern that is easy to satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. When the path mode is selected, control for selecting the path mode for the present refrigerant circuit RE ends.

Step S1106: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern y extracted from the plurality of demands exists among all the route patterns extracted in the step S1101. That is, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a path pattern y extracted from any two of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand. If there is a path pattern y extracted in the plurality of demands (yes in S1106), the process proceeds to step S1107, and if there is no path pattern y extracted in the plurality of demands (no in S1106), the process proceeds to step S1110.

Step S1107: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern y extracted from the plurality of demands determined in step S1106 is 1. If the path pattern y is 1 (S1107, yes), the process proceeds to step S1109, and if the path pattern y is not 1 (S1107, no), the process proceeds to step S1108.

Step S1108: the selecting unit 13 selects 1 type of route pattern y from among route patterns y having a plurality of types based on the heat flow. The heat flow is as described above. If 1 path pattern y is selected based on the heat flow, the process advances to step S1109.

Step S1109: the selecting unit 13 selects only 1 route pattern y or 1 route pattern y selected in step S1108 as a route pattern that can easily satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. When the path mode is selected, control for selecting the path mode for the present refrigerant circuit RE ends.

Step S1110: the selecting unit 13 selects 1 path pattern from all path patterns extracted in the above step S1101 based on the heat flow. The heat flow is as described above. If 1 path mode is selected based on the heat flow, the process advances to step S1111.

Step S1111: the selection unit 13 selects the 1 st route pattern selected in step S1110 as a route pattern that can easily satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. When the path mode is selected, control for selecting the path mode for the present refrigerant circuit RE ends.

(3) Path mode selection control for high temperature cooling circuit HT

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a process of selecting a route pattern of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT by the selecting unit 13 of the heat demand mediation apparatus 10. The selection control shown in fig. 12 is typically executed after the path modes of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT and the refrigerant circuit RE are respectively selected by the selection control shown in fig. 9 to 11.

Step S1201: the selecting unit 13 extracts the path patterns of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT that can be selected, for each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand that are derived by the deriving unit 12. More specifically, the selecting unit 13 extracts all of the path patterns of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT that can be selected by the 1 st demand item, extracts all of the path patterns of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT that can be selected by the 2 nd demand item, and extracts all of the path patterns of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT that can be selected by the 3 rd demand item, based on the correspondence chart of fig. 8. If the path pattern of the high temperature cooling circuit HT corresponding to each demand is extracted, the process proceeds to step S1202.

Step S1202: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern x extracted in all the demands exists among all the route patterns extracted in the above step S1201. That is, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the path pattern x extracted in all of the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3rd demands exists. If there is a path pattern x extracted in all the demands (yes in S1202), the process proceeds to step S1203, and if there is no path pattern x extracted in all the demands (no in S1202), the process proceeds to step S1206.

Step S1203: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern x extracted in all the demands determined in step S1202 is 1. If the path pattern x is 1 (yes in S1203), the process proceeds to step S1205, and if the path pattern x is not 1 (no in S1203), the process proceeds to step S1204.

Step S1204: the selecting unit 13 selects 1 type of route pattern x from among route patterns x having a plurality of types based on the heat flow. The heat flow refers to transfer of heat generated between the refrigerant circuit RE located upstream of the heat transfer path and the high-temperature cooling circuit HT. The selecting unit 13 selects a path pattern x associated with the heat flow between the path pattern selected in the refrigerant circuit RE and the path pattern selected in the high-temperature cooling circuit HT. As a case where there is a relationship of heat flow, a case where the refrigerant circuit RE discharges heat and the high-temperature cooling circuit HT absorbs heat, and a case where the refrigerant circuit RE does not discharge heat and the high-temperature cooling circuit HT does not absorb heat can be exemplified. On the other hand, as a case where there is no correlation of heat flow, a case where the refrigerant circuit RE discharges heat but the high-temperature cooling circuit HT does not absorb heat, and a case where the refrigerant circuit RE does not discharge heat but the high-temperature cooling circuit HT absorbs heat can be exemplified. If 1 path pattern x is selected based on the heat flow, the process advances to step S1205.

Step S1205: the selecting unit 13 selects only 1 route pattern x or 1 route pattern x selected in step S1204 as a route pattern that is easy to satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. If the route mode is selected, the control of selecting the route mode for the present high-temperature cooling circuit HT is ended.

Step S1206: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern y extracted from the plurality of demands exists among all the route patterns extracted in the step S1201. That is, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a path pattern y extracted from any two of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand. If there is a path pattern y extracted in the plurality of demands (yes in S1206), the process proceeds to step S1207, and if there is no path pattern y extracted in the plurality of demands (no in S1206), the process proceeds to step S1210.

Step S1207: the selecting unit 13 determines whether or not the route pattern y extracted from the plurality of demands determined in step S1206 is 1. If the path pattern y is 1 (yes in S1207), the process proceeds to step S1209, and if the path pattern y is not 1 (no in S1207), the process proceeds to step S1208.

Step S1208: the selecting unit 13 selects 1 type of route pattern y from among route patterns y having a plurality of types based on the heat flow. The heat flow is as described above. If 1 path pattern y is selected based on the heat flow, the process advances to step S1209.

Step S1209: the selecting unit 13 selects only 1 route pattern y or 1 route pattern y selected in step S1208 as a route pattern that can easily satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. If the route mode is selected, the control of selecting the route mode for the present high-temperature cooling circuit HT is ended.

Step S1210: the selecting unit 13 selects 1 path pattern from all path patterns extracted in the above step S1201 based on the heat flow. The heat flow is as described above. If 1 path pattern is selected based on the heat flow, the process advances to step S1211.

Step S1211: the selecting unit 13 selects the 1 st route pattern selected in the step S1210 as a route pattern that can easily satisfy the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd demands. If the route mode is selected, the control of selecting the route mode for the present high-temperature cooling circuit HT is ended.

Specific examples

Next, a specific example of the path pattern of each thermal circuit selected based on the selection control shown in fig. 9 to 12 will be described with further reference to fig. 13 to 15.

(1) Example 1

Fig. 13 shows example 1 of the path pattern of each heat circuit selected when "water demand" is required as the 1 st demand, "temperature increase permission" is required as the 2 nd demand, and "heating (outside air HP permission) is required as the 3 rd demand.

In example 1, in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, only the route pattern a-2 is a route pattern (extraction number: 3) extracted according to all the requirements. Thus, this path pattern a-2 is selected as the path pattern of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT (double circles in the upper diagram of fig. 13). In the refrigerant circuit RE, only the path pattern C-1 is a path pattern (extraction number: 3) that is extracted according to all the requirements. Thus, this path pattern C-1 is selected as the path pattern of the refrigerant circuit RE (double circles in the middle diagram of fig. 13). In the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, the route patterns a-1, a-2, a-3, and B-1 are route patterns (extraction number: 3) extracted according to all the requirements (hatched portion in the lower diagram of fig. 13), and therefore the heat flow in each route pattern is determined (the process of step S1204 of fig. 12). As for the route pattern C-1 selected in the refrigerant circuit RE, the refrigerant circuit RE does not discharge heat, and therefore, the route pattern a-1 associated with heat not absorbed as a heat flow is selected as the route pattern of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT (double circles in the lower diagram of fig. 13).

Thus, in example 1, the path pattern A-2 is selected as the low temperature cooling circuit LT, the path pattern C-1 is selected as the refrigerant circuit RE, and A-1 is selected as the high temperature cooling circuit HT.

(2) Example 2

Fig. 14 shows a 2 nd example of a path pattern of each heat circuit selected when "water demand" is required as the 1 st demand, "unlimited" is required as the 2 nd demand, and "heating (permission of external air HP)" is required as the 3 rd demand.

In example 2, in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, the route patterns a-1, a-3, and B-1 are route patterns (extraction number: 3) extracted according to all the requirements (hatched portion in the upper view of fig. 14), and thus the mediation process based on each route pattern is performed (the process of step S904 in fig. 9). In the mediation process, since the heat pump heating using the exhaust heat of the battery 41 is enabled (the route patterns a-3 and B-1 are only enabled to perform heating by operating the electric heater) based on the power efficiency at the time of the heating control (the process of step S1003 in fig. 10), the route pattern a-1 is selected as the route pattern of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT (double circles in the upper diagram in fig. 14). In the refrigerant circuit RE, the path patterns C-1 and D-1 are path patterns (extraction number: 3) extracted according to all the requirements (hatched portion in the middle diagram of fig. 14), and therefore, the heat flows in the respective path patterns are determined (the process of step S1104 of fig. 11). As for the path pattern a-1 selected in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, since the low-temperature cooling circuit LT discharges heat, the path pattern D-1 that absorbs heat as a function of heat flow (that is, heat pump heating by using the discharged heat of the battery 41 is enabled) is selected as the path pattern of the refrigerant circuit RE (double circles in the middle of fig. 14). In the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, the route patterns a-1, a-2, a-3, and B-1 are route patterns (extraction number: 3) extracted according to all the requirements (hatched portion in the lower diagram of fig. 14), and therefore the heat flow in each route pattern is determined (the process of step S1204 of fig. 12). For the route pattern D-1 selected in the refrigerant circuit RE, the refrigerant circuit RE discharges heat, and thus 3 route patterns a-2, a-3, and B-1, which absorb heat as a function of heat flow, are selected as route patterns of the high-temperature cooling circuit HT (circles in the lower drawing of fig. 14). The selected 3-path modes are used by switching to any of the optimal 1-path modes at any time according to the amount of heat transferred from the refrigerant circuit RE to the high-temperature cooling circuit HT via the water-cooling condenser 33 when the heat pump utilizing the heat released from the battery 41 heats.

Thus, in example 2, the route pattern A-1 is selected as the low temperature cooling circuit LT, the route pattern D-1 is selected as the refrigerant circuit RE, and any one of A-2, A-3, and B-1 is selected as the high temperature cooling circuit HT.

(3) Example 3

Fig. 15 shows a 3 rd example of selecting a route pattern of each heat circuit when "no water supply demand" is required as the 1 st demand, "average temperature (exhaust heat utilization OK)" is required as the 2 nd demand, and "cooling" is required as the 3 rd demand.

In example 3, in the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, the route patterns a-1 and a-3 are route patterns (extraction number: 3) extracted according to all the requirements (hatched portion in the upper diagram of fig. 15), and thus the mediation process based on each route pattern is performed (the process of step S904 in fig. 9). In the mediation process, the cooler 34 may not discharge heat based on the electric power efficiency in consideration of the cooling efficiency (the process of step S1003 in fig. 10), and therefore the path pattern a-3 is selected as the path pattern of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT (double circles in the upper diagram in fig. 15). In the refrigerant circuit RE, only the path pattern a-1 is a path pattern (extraction number: 3) that is extracted according to all the requirements. Thus, this path pattern a-1 is selected as the path pattern of the refrigerant circuit RE (double circles in the middle diagram of fig. 15). In the high-temperature cooling circuit HT, only the route pattern C-1 is set to a route pattern (extraction number: 3) extracted according to all the requirements. Thus, the path pattern C-1 is selected as the path pattern of the high temperature cooling circuit HT (double circles in the lower diagram of fig. 15).

Thus, in example 3, the path pattern A-3 is selected as the low temperature cooling circuit LT, the path pattern A-1 is selected as the refrigerant circuit RE, and C-1 is selected as the high temperature cooling circuit HT.

< Action, effect >)

As described above, the heat demand mediation device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure selects the circulation paths of the respective heat mediums of the low-temperature cooling circuit LT, the refrigerant circuit RE, and the high-temperature cooling circuit HT from a plurality of predetermined path patterns based on the plurality of heat flow control demands (the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand). By this selection control, appropriate heat flow control that can easily satisfy a plurality of heat flow control demands can be performed.

In addition, according to the heat demand mediation device 10 according to the present embodiment, even if the system configuration of the heat circuit is changed (for example, in the case of a system based on the refrigerant circuit RE and the high-temperature cooling circuit HT), a path of an appropriate mode can be selected using only the map of the heat circuit included in the system.

In the heat demand mediation device 10 according to the present embodiment, the items of each heat flux control demand may include items corresponding to failure handling when a failure or abnormality occurs in a unit or the like of each heat circuit. By including items corresponding to such failure handling as needed, unit failure conditions can be satisfied, and heat flow control suitable for a plurality of heat flow control requirements can be performed.

Further, according to the heat demand mediation device 10 of the present embodiment, even when the number of heat flux control demands to be derived increases and the number of items of heat flux control demands to be derived increases, the route patterns selectable by the heat circuits increases, the map corresponding to each heat circuit can be updated according to the content of the increase, and therefore the versatility is excellent.

While the above description has been given of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be understood as a heat demand mediation device, a route pattern selection method executed by the heat demand mediation device including a processor and a memory, a control program for executing the route pattern selection method, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing the control program, and a vehicle equipped with the heat demand mediation device.

The heat demand mediation device of the present disclosure can be used to control heat flow in a plurality of heat circuits provided in a vehicle.

Claims

1. A heat demand mediation device is mounted on a vehicle,

The heat demand mediation device is characterized by comprising:

a1 st heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate high-temperature cooling water;

A 2 nd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as a path configured to circulate low-temperature cooling water;

A 3 rd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as paths for circulating a refrigerant while changing a state, and capable of exchanging heat with the 1 st heat circuit and the 2 nd heat circuit, respectively;

a plurality of heat source units configured to absorb or dissipate heat via a heat medium circulating in at least any one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit;

A deriving unit configured to derive a plurality of demands concerning states of a plurality of different heat source units mounted on a vehicle as demands concerning heat flow control of heat absorbed or dissipated by the respective heat source units; and

A selection unit configured to select a route for at least one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit so as to satisfy one or more of the heat flow control-related demands based on the plurality of heat flow control-related demands derived by the derivation unit,

The demands related to the heat flow control include at least a1 st demand for a water passing state of a radiator as one of the heat source units, a2 nd demand for a temperature state of a battery as one of the heat source units, and a 3 rd demand for an air conditioning state in a vehicle cabin accompanied by at least an operation of an evaporator as one of the heat source units,

The selecting unit extracts the paths that can be selected in the 1 st thermal circuit according to each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, and selects the path of the 1 st thermal circuit based on a selection method corresponding to the number of demands from among the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, the number of which the paths have been extracted, and the type of the extracted paths,

The selecting unit extracts the paths that can be selected in the 2 nd thermal circuit according to each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, and selects the path of the 2 nd thermal circuit based on a selection method corresponding to the number of demands from among the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, the number of which the paths have been extracted, and the type of the extracted paths,

The selecting unit extracts the paths that can be selected in the 3 rd thermal circuit according to each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, and selects the path of the 3 rd thermal circuit based on a selection method corresponding to the number of demands from among the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, the number of which the paths have been extracted, and the type of the extracted paths.

2. The heat demand mediation device of claim 1, wherein,

The 1 st heat circuit is combined with the 3 rd heat circuit via a1 st heat exchanger,

The 2 nd heat circuit is combined with the 3 rd heat circuit via a2 nd heat exchanger,

The selection unit is configured to select a method of controlling the heat transfer of at least one of the 1 st heat exchanger and the 2 nd heat exchanger based on the plurality of demands related to the heat flow control derived by the derivation unit, and so as to satisfy one or more demands related to the heat flow control.

3. The heat demand mediation device of claim 1, wherein,

Prioritizing the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, respectively,

The selection unit is configured to select, based on the priority, at least so as to satisfy the demand with a high priority.

4. The heat demand mediation device of claim 3,

The priority is given as: the 2 nd demand is higher than the 3 rd demand, and the 1 st demand is higher than the 2 nd demand.

5. The heat demand mediation device of any of claims 1-4,

The selection unit is configured to select based on the electric power consumed by the heat source unit.

6. A heat demand mediation method is executed by a computer of a heat demand mediation device mounted on a vehicle,

The heat demand mediation device is provided with:

a3 rd heat circuit having a plurality of selectable paths as paths for circulating a refrigerant while changing a state, and capable of exchanging heat with the 1 st heat circuit and the 2 nd heat circuit, respectively; and

A plurality of heat source units configured to absorb or dissipate heat via a heat medium circulating in at least any one of the 1 st heat circuit, the 2 nd heat circuit, and the 3 rd heat circuit,

The heat demand mediation method is characterized by comprising:

Deriving a plurality of demands concerning states of a plurality of different heat source units mounted on a vehicle as demands concerning heat flow control of heat absorbed or dissipated by the respective heat source units; and

Selecting a path for at least one of the 1 st thermal circuit, the 2 nd thermal circuit, and the 3 rd thermal circuit based on the derived plurality of requirements related to the heat flow control in a manner that satisfies more than one of the requirements related to the heat flow control,

In the 1 st heat circuit, the paths that can be selected are extracted in accordance with each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, and the paths of the 1 st heat circuit are selected based on a selection method corresponding to the number of demands from among the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, the paths having been extracted, and the types of the extracted paths,

In the 2 nd heat circuit, the paths that can be selected are extracted in accordance with each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, and the paths of the 2 nd heat circuit are selected based on a selection method corresponding to the number of demands from among the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, the paths having been extracted, and the kind of the extracted paths,

In the 3 rd heat circuit, the paths that can be selected are extracted in accordance with each of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, and the path of the 3 rd heat circuit is selected based on a selection method corresponding to the number of demands, of the 1 st demand, the 2 nd demand, and the 3 rd demand, from which the path has been extracted, and the kind of the extracted path.

7. A non-transitory storage medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of a heat demand mediation device mounted on a vehicle and causing the one or more processors to perform functions,

The heat demand mediation device is provided with:

The non-transitory storage medium is characterized in that,

The functions include:

8. A vehicle is characterized in that,

The vehicle includes a heat demand mediation device,

The heat demand mediation device includes: